"Etiology of psoriasis is still not known and comprises a range of assumptions and very complex etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms. Along with genetical predisposition, mental disorders and stresses might have a key role in the occurrence of this disease," scientists writing in the journal Collegium Antropologicum report (see also Mental Disorders).

"Total number of 70 patients suffering from psoriasis were included in the investigation. Generally accepted structured clinical interview (SCID - The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV) was applied in diagnostics of mental disorders. Various mental disorders were found in as many as 90% of patients suffering from psoriasis. The most frequent mental disorders were depressive disorder (19.2%), the posttraumatic stress disorder (17.8%), alcoholism (16.4%), adaptation disorder (15.1%), anxiety - depressive disorders (13.7%) and generalized anxious disorder (9.6%). The authors have concluded that inpatients with psoriasis both various mental disorders and various stress events are frequent. The results have implied that there is a link between psoriasis on the one hand and various mental disorders and various stressors on the other," wrote D. Biljan and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "The investigation implies that there is a need to improve multidisciplinary approach in diagnostics and treatment of psoriasis and multi disciplinary team should consist of dermatologist, psychiatrist and psychologist."

Biljan and colleagues published their study in Collegium Antropologicum (Psoriasis, Mental Disorders and Stress. Collegium Antropologicum, 2009;33(3):889-892).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting D. Biljan, University of Hospital Center Osijek, Dept. of Dermatovenerol, Hutllerova 4, Osijek, Croatia.

The publisher of the journal Collegium Antropologicum can be contacted at: Collegium Antropologicum, Institute Anthropological Research, PO Box 290, Ulica Grada Vukovara 72, IV, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.